Old Ordnance Survey Maps of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
This page summarises the local government organisation of Aberdeenshire, Banffshire and Kincardineshire since 1890.
Aberdeenshire was one of Scotland's 34 historic counties before 1890. In 1890
there was some reorganisation into 33 counties, and Aberdeenshire absorbed former enclaves of Banffshire. Otherwise the boundaries were little changed.
Aberdeenshire had the following Burghs: Aberdeen (a royal burgh), Inverurie (a royal burgh), Kintone (a royal burgh), Ballater, Ellon,
Fraserburgh, Huntly, Old Meldrum, Peterhead, Rosehearty, Turriff. Rattray, a former royal burgh, had been largely destroyed in a storm in the 18th century.
In 1900 Aberdeen became the County of a City, so was no longer part of Aberdeenshire.
Banffshire was also one of Scotland's 34 historic counties before 1890. It was little changed by the 1890 reorganisation but lost
two enclaves to Aberdeenshire. It remained a county until 1975.
Banffshire had the following burghs: Banff (a royal burgh), Cullen (a royal burgh), Aberchirder, Aberlour, Buckie, Dufftown, Findochty, Keith, Macduff,
Portknockie, Portsoy.
Kincardineshire, sometimes known as The Mearns, was also one of Scotland's 34 historic counties before 1890. It was little changed
by the 1890 reorganisation. It remained a county until 1975.
Kincardineshire had the following burghs: Inverbervie (a royal burgh), Banchory, Laurencekirk, Stonehaven.
In 1975 there was major reorganisation as the counties were abolished and replaced by 12 Regions. Aberdeenshire was amalgamated with Banffshire, Kincardineshire and
most of Moray into the new Grampian Region.
This was a two-tier council, with five districts:
- 1. City of Aberdeen
- 2. Banff & Buchan District. This included north Aberdeenshire and the NE part of the former Banffshire. Towns in the District included Banff and Macduff, from Banffshire, and Fraserburgh and Peterhead, from Aberdeenshire.
- 3. Gordon District. Towns included Huntly, Inverurie.
- 4. Kincardine & Deeside. This included the former Kincardineshire. Towns included Ballater, Braemar, Stonehaven.
- 5. Moray District. This included the former County of Moray (formerly called Elginshire) and the remainder of Banffshire. Towns included Bukie, Dufftown and Keith from Banffshire,
Elgin and Forres from Moray. However, Grantown-on-Spey was lost to Highland Region.
In 1996 there was further reorganisation as the Regions were abolished and replaced by 32 Unitary councils. Grampian Region was split into 3 unitary councils:
- 1. City of Aberdeen.
- 2. Moray. The former District became a unitary council.
- 3. Aberdeenshire, comprising the former Districts of Banff & Buchan, Gordon, and Kincardine & Deeside.
- The new Aberdeenshire unitary council also has six area committees: Banff & Buchan (including Banff, Fraserburgh); Buchan (incl Peterhead); Formatine (incl Turriff);
Garioch (incl Inverurie); Kincardine & Mearns (incl Stonehaven); and Marr (incl Banchory, Huntly).
- For a list of Aberdeenshire maps go to the Aberdeenshire page. For a full list of Scottish maps, return to the Scotland page
- You can order maps direct from our On-line Mapshop.
Minor changes are not listed here, but please advise us of any significant errors or omissions.
Alan Godfrey Maps, Prospect Business Park, Leadgate, Consett, DH8 7PW. Tel 01207 583388
The Godfrey Edition / sales@alangodfreymaps.co.uk / 6 November 2016